Boston Bruins: Marc Savard Will Not Return for the 2011-2012 Season

Peter Chiarelli, the Boston Bruins general manager, announced today that two-time All-Star Marc Savard will not be returning to the Bruins' lineup for the upcoming season.

Savard played a total of 25 games this past season after suffering a potentially life-changing concussion during the 2009-2010 season.

However, Savard suffered another concussion in January and was immediately put on LTIR. Speculations arose that Savard never fully recovered from his original concussion, which was left by well-known NHL agitator Matt Cooke. Malicious as it was, Cooke somehow escaped a suspension by the league for the blindside hit. 

Essentially, Chiarelli is putting an end to the opportunity for Marc Savard to play again. When asked about the long-term plans for Savard, Chiarelli said:

"

"Based on what I see, what I hear, what I read, and what I'm told, it's very unlikely Marc will play again," Chiarelli said. "Now, knowing the uncertainty of this injury, there's always a chance [he could play]. But based on what I'm told, it's very unlikely he'll play. As an employer, I support him and hope he gets back to living a healthy life."

"

One of the saddest stories of the post lockout era seemingly ends here with Savard being unfit to play this season. It is always detrimental to the player, the team and the league when a promising and talented hockey player gets cuts down in his prime.

All of the hockey world is pulling for a recovery for Marc Savard, even if he never returns to the ice again.